Jetwing Eternal Earth Project
Global Warming has become a major issue throughout the world. Nowadays, it is more threatening than ever before and many organizations are doing whatever they can to hinder it from getting out of control. JEEP was established for this very purpose in early 2008 by Jetwing Hotels. JEEP’s main goal is to create awareness about global warming and its unfortunate effects. Through this project, the company also carries out its corporate social responsibilities in minimizing its carbon footprint.
The project intends to create a successful template for re-forestation, and aspires to educate future generations about self – sustainability and giving back to Planet Earth, which will inevitably make Sri Lanka an exemplary green destination.
For further information on JEEP and to find out how you can contribute visit http://www.eternalearth.net/about_jeep.php
Recently we had a few visitors from the UK who took part in the JEEP project during their stay. Below is an article about their experiences in Sri Lanka.
HOPE IN SRI LANKA AND JEEP PROJECT
During July and August 2010 the UK charity HOPE in Sri Lanka organised the SRI LANKA EXPERIENCE 2010. Three 18 year old girls Josie, Ellis and Laura having completed their “A” level examinations at West Hatch High School in Essex journeyed to Sri Lanka with Keith and Pam Pollen trustees of the charity. The girls had been fund raising for this trip for almost two years. One event was a sponsored abseil. They also did sponsored mountain climbs and walks as well as selling cakes etc. at their school. In May the school had a Sri Lanka Day in which teachers were sponsored to wear a saree for the day, the catering staff cooked Sri Lankan rice and curry and pupils donated time and money to support the trip.
JETWING Travels always arranges the transport for Keith and Pam and their trips to Sri Lanka where they work with orphans in the Hambantota area. This trip Jetwing supplied a magnificent mini coach as there are always many pieces of luggage containing the equipment for the children and this time our 3 girls did not travel light!
We arrived July 9th and after our usual purchasing of equipment in Colombo travelled to Hunas Falls for the first part of the girls’ experience. They worked on the JETWING ETERNAL EARTH PROJECT for 3 days. They measured and assessed the plants and recorded the information. The leeches were a challenge but they soon accepted the very unflattering socks provided by the hotel. Working on the JEEP project was a very positive experience for all of the team. Keith and Pam also spent time weeding and clearing ground around the plants with local school children. JEEP is an excellent project and it was a privilege to contribute in a small way and meet and work with local people. We were taken to a local school and saw the children’s plants growing ready to be sold to JEEP. We also met some of the parents in the homes where children are growing plants. We were impressed with the ways Jetwing is helping the environment and also the local
Josie, Ellis and Laura then continued to experience the luxury of Sri Lanka in a stay at Vil Uyana Hotel where they climbed Sigiriya and went on a jeep safari and elephant ride. This gave them a relaxing time before they began work again at an orphanage in Tissamaharama. At this orphanage they painted walls of the preschool set up by HOPE in Sri Lanka and were thrilled to see their hard earned fund raising was worthwhile when playground equipment was built with their donations. All three girls were sad to leave the children and Sri Lanka and Keith and Pam are sure this was a life changing experience for them all.
The trustees of HOPE in Sri Lanka www.hopeinsrilanka.com are grateful to the staff of Jetwing for their support and help during their trips to Sri Lanka.
